Our Stories
Claire's Story
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If you were to see Brian Adams about in the community you might be forgiven for overlooking him as “just a retired man” however, in our Neighbourhood Centre, 80 year old Brian brings an enormous amount of professional experience to his many volunteer roles.
At 75 he retired. His wife was in a nursing home and he had time and knowledge to offer. After an online search for volunteer opportunities he found the Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre. “My work life was interesting, mentally stimulating, I needed something to fill my time that was equally so.” Brian’s 50 years of senior positions in Construction, Disability Services, Workers Compensation and Work Health and Safety Regulator industries including Technical Engineering, Human Resources and Financial Management were revealed in his first volunteer role in the Management Committee. Over time he was elected Chairperson and it wasn’t long before he volunteered in other roles including – Chairman of the Risk and Audit Committee, Member of the Operations Sub Committee and also the Senior Social Group. Brian’s diplomacy, patience and wisdom are respected and under his guidance everyone is valued - “In my role as Chairperson I encourage everyone to contribute, discuss and consider before we make a decision.” In all his dealings with volunteers and staff within the centre he demonstrates these attributes as well as a sense of humour and empathy. And, part from his official volunteer roles Brian often assists in other areas of the centre as needed – as in our story picture taken during one of the centre’s bi-annual working bees. When Brian isn’t volunteering at the Centre (or working from home) he enjoys gardening and reading – he has 6 book cases double stacked - and, importantly, his children and grand children. “The Centre is such a welcoming place because of the volunteers.” |
